An invitation to attend the first screening of this movie at Kunsang Yeshe. Enjoy a light supper and chai followed by the movie.
This documentary traces the remarkable journey of Tibetan Buddhism into the Western world. Through intimate personal stories, it reveals the vision, challenges, and devotion behind the founding of Chenrezig Institute for Wisdom Culture, the first centre established by Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa in the West.
Preserving History
Chenrezig Institute is one of the oldest Tibetan Buddhist centres in the Western world. This film documents its beginnings and evolution, safeguarding an important cultural and spiritual legacy for future generations.
Honouring the Founding Teachers
Through the voices of long-term students, the documentary reflects on the vision, courage, and guidance of Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche. Their teachings and leadership not only shaped the Chenrezig Institute, but also profoundly transformed the lives of individuals and the entire community
Inspiring Others
The film shares the story of a group of young seekers who devoted themselves to learning and spreading the Dharma and shows how Buddhist teachings changed their lives. Their journeys reflect the power of dedication, compassion, and inner transformation, offering inspiration to anyone on a spiritual path.
Date: Friday 5th June
Time: 6.00pm – 8.30pm (movie from 6.45pm)
Location: Kunsang Yeshe Retreat Centre, 116 Bathurst Road, Katoomba
Cost: Movie + light supper $30/$25 for non-member/member & concession; Movie only $20/$18 for non-member/member & concession.
Watch Trailer
About the Film Director – Malgorzata Ola Dobrowolska
Małgorzata Ola Dobrowolska is an independent documentary filmmaker whose work is rooted in her spiritual journey. She firmly believes that lasting world peace can only be achieved through profound spiritual transformation, and this conviction is the primary motivation behind her films. Her award-winning documentary Bhikkhunī – Buddhism, Sri Lanka, Revolution (https://bhikkhuni-film.com) explores the revival of women’s ordination in Theravāda Buddhism.
In June 2019, she left her home country of Poland to travel and make films. Just a few days later, she arrived at Chenrezig Institute, a Buddhist retreat and study center nestled in the hills of the Sunshine Coast hinterland in Queensland, Australia. What was meant to be a stay of a few months became four deeply transformative years.
Shortly after arriving at Chenrezig Institute, she felt a strong calling to create a documentary about the center’s origin. After sharing the idea with the community, she realized it resonated with others as well. She began working on the film, a project she continued throughout her stay.
For four years, Małgorzata was deeply involved in daily life and service at Chenrezig Institute. When the COVID-19 pandemic changed the world in March 2020, she had the opportunity to use her technical and multimedia background to establish an in-house multimedia team. As a Multimedia Coordinator, she played a key role in setting up and developing the institute’s online platform, livestreaming teachings and special events not only locally and regionally, but far beyond Australia.